Tim Daly as Dr. Henry McCord; Elizabeth's husband of 25 years, a Georgetown University theology professor and recently reactivated operative for the National Security Agency. In "Spartan Figures", Henry is headhunted by the National War College and is hired as a professor of military ethics,Madam Secretary Season 2 DVD with the understanding that he would also consult for the Defense Intelligence Agency. He served as a Captain in the United States Marine Corps and flew F/A-18 Hornets in the Gulf War. His father is Patrick McCord (Tom Skerritt), a lifelong steel worker and union boss in Pittsburgh; his mother died three years prior to the series.Bebe Neuwirth as Nadine Tolliver, Elizabeth's Chief of Staff who had a six-year affair with the deceased Secretary of State, Vincent Marsh, beginning when he was a Senator. Originally extremely resentful of the new Secretary of State, Nadine and Elizabeth have since cultivated a strong working relationship.